US20150377595A1 - Reduced weight armor systems and methods of manufacturing the same - Google Patents
Reduced weight armor systems and methods of manufacturing the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150377595A1 US20150377595A1 US14/318,195 US201414318195A US2015377595A1 US 20150377595 A1 US20150377595 A1 US 20150377595A1 US 201414318195 A US201414318195 A US 201414318195A US 2015377595 A1 US2015377595 A1 US 2015377595A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- armor
- insert
- ballistics
- armor panel
- grade
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
- F41H5/02—Plate construction
- F41H5/04—Plate construction composed of more than one layer
- F41H5/0414—Layered armour containing ceramic material
- F41H5/0428—Ceramic layers in combination with additional layers made of fibres, fabrics or plastics
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H7/00—Armoured or armed vehicles
- F41H7/02—Land vehicles with enclosing armour, e.g. tanks
- F41H7/04—Armour construction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
- B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/10009—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the number, the constitution or treatment of glass sheets
- B32B17/10036—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the number, the constitution or treatment of glass sheets comprising two outer glass sheets
- B32B17/10045—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the number, the constitution or treatment of glass sheets comprising two outer glass sheets with at least one intermediate layer consisting of a glass sheet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
- B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/10165—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/10293—Edge features, e.g. inserts or holes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
- B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/1055—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer
- B32B17/10761—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer containing vinyl acetal
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
- B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/1055—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer
- B32B17/1077—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer containing polyurethane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
- B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/1055—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer
- B32B17/10788—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer containing ethylene vinylacetate
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/06—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the heating method
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/10—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using action of vacuum or fluid pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
- F41H5/013—Mounting or securing armour plates
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
- F41H5/02—Plate construction
- F41H5/04—Plate construction composed of more than one layer
- F41H5/0407—Transparent bullet-proof laminatesinformative reference: layered products essentially comprising glass in general B32B17/06, e.g. B32B17/10009; manufacture or composition of glass, e.g. joining glass to glass C03; permanent multiple-glazing windows, e.g. with spacing therebetween, E06B3/66
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
- F41H5/02—Plate construction
- F41H5/04—Plate construction composed of more than one layer
- F41H5/0414—Layered armour containing ceramic material
- F41H5/0421—Ceramic layers in combination with metal layers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
- F41H5/02—Plate construction
- F41H5/04—Plate construction composed of more than one layer
- F41H5/0442—Layered armour containing metal
- F41H5/0457—Metal layers in combination with additional layers made of fibres, fabrics or plastics
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
- F41H5/26—Peepholes; Windows; Loopholes
- F41H5/263—Mounting of transparent armoured panels, e.g. bulletproof windows on vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
- B32B2307/546—Flexural strength; Flexion stiffness
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
- B32B2307/558—Impact strength, toughness
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2309/00—Parameters for the laminating or treatment process; Apparatus details
- B32B2309/02—Temperature
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2309/00—Parameters for the laminating or treatment process; Apparatus details
- B32B2309/02—Temperature
- B32B2309/022—Temperature vs pressure profiles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2311/00—Metals, their alloys or their compounds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2315/00—Other materials containing non-metallic inorganic compounds not provided for in groups B32B2311/00 - B32B2313/04
- B32B2315/08—Glass
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
- B32B2323/04—Polyethylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
- B32B2323/10—Polypropylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2329/00—Polyvinylalcohols, polyvinylethers, polyvinylaldehydes, polyvinylketones or polyvinylketals
- B32B2329/06—PVB, i.e. polyinylbutyral
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2331/00—Polyvinylesters
- B32B2331/04—Polymers of vinyl acetate, e.g. PVA
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2367/00—Polyesters, e.g. PET, i.e. polyethylene terephthalate
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2369/00—Polycarbonates
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2375/00—Polyureas; Polyurethanes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2571/00—Protective equipment
- B32B2571/02—Protective equipment defensive, e.g. armour plates, anti-ballistic clothing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/04—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the partial melting of at least one layer
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to armor and, more particularly, to armor having embedded inserts.
- Armor systems are commonly incorporated into vehicles (e.g., land assault vehicles, personnel carriers, aircraft, and naval ships) and other structures (e.g., buildings, bunkers, and barricades) to protect personnel and property against ballistic strikes (e.g., projectiles and shrapnel) and percussive waves associated with a nearby explosion.
- Conventional armor systems typically include a ballistics-grade armor panel and a metallic channel or frame (e.g., a C-channel or a Z-channel) extending around the periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel. The channel is configured to facilitate attachment of the armor system to a vehicle or other structure.
- the channel may be configured to overlap a frame surrounding a window in a vehicle such that the armor system may be attached to the vehicle with a series of mechanical fasteners extending through the channel and into the frame of the vehicle.
- These conventional channels increase the parasitic weight of the overall armor system and thereby adversely affect the performance of the vehicle (e.g., by limiting speed and increasing fuel consumption) into which the armor system is incorporated and increase the difficulty of installing the armor system.
- conventional armor panels are commonly potted with a sealant into the channel, which both increases the parasitic weight of the armor system and increases the complexity of manufacturing the armor system.
- the region of overlap between the armor panel and the channel is overdesigned and redundant because both the armor panel and the channel provide ballistics protection.
- any region of overlap between the armor panel and the frame of the vehicle or other structure into which the armor panel is incorporated is overdesigned and redundant.
- These overdesigned regions in conventional armor systems result in the conventional armor systems being weight-inefficient.
- some conventional armor systems incorporate an armor panel formed from exotic ballistics-grade materials, such as transparent ceramics, to reduce the parasitic weight of the armor system.
- such exotic ballistics-grade materials are cost-inefficient and/or may not be as readily available as conventional armor panel materials, such as glass.
- the present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of armor systems configured to be attached to a vehicle or other structure, such as a building, and thereby protect personnel against ballistic strikes and percussive waves associated with a nearby blast.
- the armor includes a ballistics-grade armor panel and at least one insert embedded in the ballistics-grade armor panel.
- the at least one insert has a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
- the insert may extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
- the armor system may also include a bracket configured to couple the armor system to a vehicle or a structure. A portion of the bracket may be configured to overlap at least a portion of the at least one insert embedded in the armor panel.
- the armor system may also include at least one fastener extending through the portion of the bracket overlapping the at least one insert and through the at least one insert.
- the bracket may have any desired shape, such as a flat plate, a Z-channel, or a mullion and a cover plate.
- the armor panel may be made out of any desired material, such as glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof.
- the insert may be made out of any desired material, such as ceramics, metals, aramids, polyethylene, polypropylene, or glass fibers impregnated with a resin.
- the ballistics-grade armor panel may include a stack of alternating glass layers and interlayers, the at least one insert may include a first insert spaced from a second insert, and at least one glass layer and one interlayer may extend between the first and second inserts.
- the first insert may be on an outer surface of the ballistics-grade armor panel and the second insert may be on an inner surface of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
- the armored vehicle includes at least one window, a frame surrounding the at least one window, and an armor system coupled to the frame of the vehicle.
- the armor system includes a ballistics-grade armor panel, at least one insert embedded in the ballistics-grade armor panel, and a bracket coupling the armor system to the frame of the vehicle.
- the at least one insert has a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
- At least a portion of the bracket overlaps at least a portion of the at least one insert.
- the insert may extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
- the armor panel may be made out of any desired material, such as glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof.
- the insert may be made out of any desired material, such as ceramics, metals, or glass fibers impregnated with a resin.
- the method includes laminating at least one insert to a ballistics-grade armor panel with an interlayer.
- Laminating the at least one insert to the ballistics-grade armor panel comprises may include subjecting the interlayer to an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure in an autoclave.
- the elevated temperature may be at least approximately 150° F. and the elevated pressure may be at least approximately 50 psi.
- the at least one insert may have a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
- the armor panel may be made out of any desired material, such as glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof.
- the insert may be made out of any desired material, such as ceramics, metals, or glass fibers impregnated with a resin.
- the interlayer may be made out of any suitable material, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of an armor system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the armor system illustrated in FIG. 1B taken along line I-I;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of an armor system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an armor system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating tasks of manufacturing an armor system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of an armor system and various methods of manufacturing the armor system.
- the embodiments of the armor systems of the present disclosure are configured to be coupled to a vehicle (e.g., armored assault vehicle, personnel carrier, military aircraft, or naval ship) or any other structure requiring ballistics protection, such as a building or a structural barrier (e.g., a barricade).
- the armor systems of the present disclosure in at least one example embodiment, are configured to absorb the kinetic energy of high-powered projectiles striking the armor systems.
- the armor systems of the present disclosure are also configured to deflect percussive energy, such as a shock wave, and thereby protect the individuals inside the building, the vehicle cabin, the building, or other structure against nearby explosives or other concussive devices.
- the armor systems of the present disclosure may be coupled either to a vehicle or building's windows or on non-transparent surfaces of the vehicle or other structure (e.g., the armor systems may be coupled to an outer skin or panel of an armored vehicle).
- the armor systems of the present disclosure may be configured to provide any desired ballistics protection rating.
- the armor systems of the present disclosure may include a ballistics-grade armor panel, one or more inserts embedded in the armor panel, and at least one bracket overlapping the inserts and configured to couple the armor system to a vehicle or other structure.
- the inserts may be configured to reduce the parasitic weight of the armor system by reducing the weight of the ballistics-grade armor panel in a region of overlap between the ballistics-grade armor panel and the bracket.
- an armor system 100 includes a ballistics-grade armor panel 101 and at least one insert 102 embedded or inset in the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 .
- the term “embedded” shall mean that at least a portion of the embedded component extends below an exterior surface of the component into which it is embedded. The embedded component may be either partially exposed or completely concealed by the component into which it is embedded.
- the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 is a rectangular prism having an outer strike surface 103 and an inner surface 104 opposite the outer strike surface 103 .
- the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 may have any other desired shape suitable for the intended application of the armor system, such as, for instance, circular, trapezoidal, triangular, or irregularly shaped.
- the armor system 100 is shown attached to a component 105 of a vehicle or other structure, such as a building (e.g., the component 105 may be a frame surrounding a window in a vehicle or a building).
- the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 may be configured to substantially match the shape and size of the window.
- the armor panel 101 may be smaller or larger than the window in the vehicle or other structure in which the armor system 100 is intended to be installed and/or the shape of the armor panel 101 may not match the shape of the window.
- the armor system 100 may be configured to attach to any other part of the vehicle or other structure (e.g., the armor system 100 may be coupled to an outer skin or panel of an armored vehicle or a building).
- the armor system 100 includes an outer insert 106 proximate the outer strike surface 103 of the armor panel 101 , an inner insert 107 proximate the inner surface 104 of the armor panel 101 , and a middle insert 108 disposed between the outer and inner inserts 106 , 107 .
- the three inserts 106 , 107 , 108 are spaced apart by portions 109 , 110 of the armor panel 101 extending between adjacent inserts 106 , 107 , 108 .
- the portions 109 , 110 of the armor panel 101 extending between the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 are configured to facilitate attachment of the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 to the armor panel 101 , as described in more detail below.
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 extend around a periphery of the armor panel 101 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, the inserts match or substantially match the shape of the periphery of the armor panel 101 . For instance, in an embodiment in which the armor panel 101 is a rectangular prism, the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be square ring shaped.
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may extend continuously around the periphery of the armor panel 101 , although in one or more alternate embodiments, the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be discontinuous around the periphery of the armor panel 101 (e.g., one or more of the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may extend only partially around the periphery of the armor panel 101 ).
- the armor system 100 in the illustrated embodiment includes three inserts 106 , 107 , 108 , in one or more alternate embodiments, the armor system 100 may include any other desired number of inserts 106 , 107 , 108 , such as, for instance, from one to ten inserts, suitable for the intended application and desired characteristics of the armor system 100 .
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 are embedded in the periphery of the armor panel 101
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be embedded in any other desired positions along the armor panel 101 (e.g., the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be offset inboard from the periphery of the armor panel 101 and/or located at discrete positions along the armor panel 101 ).
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 have a lower mass density than the armor panel 101 such that the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 reduce the parasitic weight of the armor system 100 (e.g., the weight of the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be less than the weight of a volume of the armor panel 101 occupied by the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 ). Accordingly, the combined weight of the armor panel 100 and the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 is less than an otherwise comparable armor system that does not include inserts and in which the armor panel occupies the volume occupied by the inserts.
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be made out of any suitable material depending on the desired physical properties of the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 (e.g., weight, flexural strength, and ballistics protection properties), such as, for instance, glass fibers impregnated with a resin.
- the glass fibers may be interlaced into any suitable type of weave, such as, for instance, a twill weave, a 2 ⁇ 2 weave, or a crow weave.
- the resin may be any suitable type of resin, such as, for instance, phenolic resin, polyester, or epoxy.
- the glass fibers may be any type of glass fibers suitable for the intended application of the armor system 100 , such as, for instance, E-glass (alumino-borosilicate glass with less than 1% w/w alkali oxides), A-glass (alkali-lime glass) E-CR-glass (alumino-lime silicate with less than 1% w/w alkali oxides), C-glass (alkali-lime glass with high boron oxide content), D-glass (borosilicate glass), R-glass (alumino silicate glass with calcium oxide (CaO)), or S-glass (alumino silicate glass with high magnesium oxide (MgO) content).
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be made out of special purpose glass fibers, such as InnofiberTM, offered by PPG Industries, Inc.
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be made out of any other suitable material, such as, for instance, metal (e.g., aluminum), ceramic, polyethylene (e.g., high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or high-performance polyethylene (HPPE)), aramids (i.e., synthetic fibers), polypropylene (PP), or any combination thereof.
- metal e.g., aluminum
- ceramic e.g., polyethylene (e.g., high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or high-performance polyethylene (HPPE)
- aramids i.e., synthetic fibers
- PP polypropylene
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be made of out any suitable material that has a mass density less than the mass density of the opaque material of the armor panel 101 , such as, for instance, aluminum.
- each of the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be made out of the same material, although in one or more alternate embodiments, the material of the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may differ between the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 .
- the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 may be either transparent or opaque depending upon the intended application of the armor system 100 .
- the armor panel 101 may be transparent when the armor system 100 is configured to cover windows in a vehicle or other structure and visibility through the armor panel 101 is desired.
- the armor panel 101 may be opaque when the armor system 100 is configured to be incorporated into a structural barrier or other structure where visibility through the structure is not desired or required.
- the transparent armor panel 101 may be composed of any suitable material configured to absorb and deflect kinetic energy and percussive energy, such as, for example, glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof.
- the opaque armor panel 101 may be composed of any suitable ballistics-grade material, such as, for example, metal (e.g., steel, titanium), metal alloys, ceramic, composite (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic), aramids (i.e., synthetic fibers), or any combinations thereof.
- metal e.g., steel, titanium
- metal alloys e.g., steel, titanium
- ceramic e.g., ceramic
- composite e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic
- aramids i.e., synthetic fibers
- the armor panel 101 includes a stack of alternating glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 and interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 .
- the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 may include a stack of alternating glass layers and interlayers and a polycarbonate layer substituting for one or more of the glass layers.
- the first, third, and fifth layers 111 , 113 , and 115 may be made out of glass and the second and fourth layers 112 and 114 may be made out of a thermoplastic polymer material (e.g., polycarbonate) or acrylic.
- the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 are configured to mechanically and/or chemically bond the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 together into a glazing.
- the armor panel 101 includes five glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 and four interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 disposed between adjacent glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , although in one or more alternate embodiments, the armor panel 101 may include any other suitable number of glass layers and interlayers depending on the desired ballistics protection rating of the armor system 100 .
- the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 may be made out of any suitable material, such as, for instance, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.
- PVB polyvinyl butyral
- TPUs thermoplastic polyurethanes
- EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 alternate between relative large and relatively smaller glass panels.
- the first, third, and fifth glass panels 111 , 113 , 115 are smaller than the second and fourth glass panels 112 , 114 .
- the first, third, and fifth glass panels 111 , 113 , 115 are narrower than the second and fourth panels 112 , 114 such that the second and fourth panels 112 , 114 extend further outward than the first, third, and fifth glass panels 111 , 113 , 115 .
- the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 cover the same or substantially the same area as the second and fourth glass panels 112 , 114 (i.e., the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 are coextensive or coterminous with the second and fourth glass panels 112 , 114 ). Accordingly, peripheries of the second glass panel 112 and the first and second interlayers 116 , 117 extend between the outer insert 106 and the middle insert 108 , and peripheries of the fourth glass layer 114 and the third and fourth interlayers 118 , 119 extend between the middle insert 108 and the inner insert 107 .
- the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 in the illustrated embodiment each have the same or substantially the same thickness T, in one or more alternate embodiments, the thicknesses of the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 may vary. Additionally, in one or more alternate embodiments, one or more of the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 may be a laminate of a plurality of glass layers (e.g., one or more of the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 may be a glazing of multiple glass layers).
- the materials and overall thickness of the armor panel 101 may be configured to provide any desired ballistics protection level, such as a level of ballistics protection in conformity with one or more of the standards promulgated by the National Institute of Justice (“NIJ”) (e.g., NIJ Level I to IV or NIJ Standard 0108.01), the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB), NATO Standardization Agreement (“STANAG”) (e.g., STANAG AEP 55, Volume 1), Underwriters Laboratory (“UL”) (e.g., UL-752), EuroNorm (e.g., EuroNorm 1063), and/or any custom criteria.
- NIJ National Institute of Justice
- HOSDB Home Office Scientific Development Branch
- STANAG e.g., STANAG AEP 55, Volume 1
- UL Underwriters Laboratory
- EuroNorm e.g., EuroNorm 1063
- any custom criteria e.g., EuroNorm 1063
- an outer surface 120 of the outer insert 106 is substantially flush or co-planar with the outer strike surface 103 of the armor panel 101 , although in one or more alternate embodiments, the outer surface 120 of the outer insert 106 may be non-coplanar with the outer strike surface 103 of the armor panel 101 (e.g., the outer surface 120 of the outer insert 106 may project above or be recessed below the outer strike surface 103 of the armor panel 101 ).
- an inner surface 121 of the inner insert 107 is substantially flush or co-planar with the inner surface 104 of the armor panel 101 , although in one or more alternate embodiments, the inner surface 121 of the inner insert 107 may be non-coplanar with the inner surface 104 of the armor panel 101 .
- the term “inner surface” refers to a surface that faces inward toward the building, vehicle, or other structure to which the armor system 100 is coupled.
- the term “outer surface” refers to a surface that faces away from the building, vehicle, or other structure to which the armor system 100 is coupled.
- the armor system 100 also includes at least one bracket 122 configured to facilitate attachment of the armor system 100 to the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure (e.g., in one embodiment, the bracket 122 may couple the armor system 100 to a frame surrounding a window in the vehicle or other structure, such as a building).
- a portion 123 of the bracket 122 overlaps the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 embedded in the armor panel 101 and another portion 124 of the bracket 122 overlaps the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure (i.e., the bracket 122 spans across the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 embedded in the armor panel 101 and the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure).
- a portion 125 of the bracket 122 extends past the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 and defines a ballistic overlap region.
- the bracket 122 may not extend past the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 embedded in the armor panel 101 (e.g., the bracket 122 may be substantially or approximately in-line with the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 ).
- the portion 123 of the bracket 122 overlapping the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 defines at least one opening 126 (e.g., a hole) axially aligned with openings 127 , 128 , 129 (e.g., holes) in the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 , the second and fourth glass layers 112 , 114 , and the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , respectively.
- opening 126 e.g., a hole
- openings 127 , 128 , 129 e.g., holes
- the aligned openings 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 are configured to receive a fastener 130 coupling the bracket 122 to the armor panel and the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 (i.e., the fastener 130 extends through the openings 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 in the bracket 122 , the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 , the second and fourth glass layers 112 , 114 , and the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 ).
- the portion 124 of the bracket 122 overlapping the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure defines at least one opening 131 aligned with an opening 132 in the component 105 .
- the aligned openings in the 130 , 131 in the bracket 122 and the component 105 are configured to receive a fastener 133 coupling the bracket 122 to the component 105 .
- the fasteners 130 , 133 may be either permanent fasteners (e.g., rivets) or removable fasteners (e.g., hex bolts and nuts) configured to facilitate detachment and reattachment of the armor system 100 to the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure.
- the armor system 100 may also include bushings receiving the fasteners 130 , 133 coupling the bracket 122 to the armor panel 101 and the component 105 , respectively.
- the armor panel 101 may be provided without the openings 127 , 128 , 129 depending on the configuration of the bracket 122 and the nature of the connection between the armor panel 101 and the bracket 122 (e.g., in one embodiment, the bracket 122 may be a C-channel and the armor panel 101 may be press-fit into the C-channel bracket 122 ).
- the bracket 122 may have any desired size and shape suitable for the configuration of the armor panel 101 and the embedded inserts 106 , 107 , 108 , the configuration of the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure, and the desired configuration of the joint between the armor panel 101 and the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure.
- the bracket 122 is a substantially flat plate having an outer surface 134 and an inner surface 135 opposite the outer surface 134 .
- the flat bracket 122 facilitates installing the armor panel 101 and the embedded inserts 106 , 107 , 108 in-line with the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure such that the outer strike surface 103 of the armor panel 101 is substantially flush or co-planar with an outer surface 136 of the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure to which the armor system 100 is installed (e.g., the flat bracket 122 facilitates a butt joint between the armor panel 101 and the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure). Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 135 of the flat bracket 122 abuts the outer surfaces 136 , 120 , 103 of the component 105 , the outer insert 106 , and the armor panel 101 , respectively.
- the bracket 122 may be made out of any material suitable for the desired ballistics protection rating of the armor system 100 , such as, for instance, metal (e.g., steel). In one embodiment, the thickness and material of the bracket 122 may be selected such that the bracket 122 has substantially the same ballistics protection rating as the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure and/or the same ballistics protection rating as the armor panel 101 .
- bracket 122 has been described above as a separate part or member from the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure, in one or more alternate embodiments, the bracket 122 may be an integral portion of the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure (e.g., the bracket 122 may be integrally formed with, or permanently fixed to, the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure to which the armor system 100 is configured to be coupled).
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be configured to provide flexibility and thereby increase the integrity of the structural connection between the armor panel 101 and the component 105 of the vehicle or other structure to which the armor panel 101 is attached.
- the armor panel 101 may be made out of one or more relatively brittle materials (e.g., glass) that are not well-suited to absorb tension loads (e.g., when the armor panel 101 is struck by a projectile or a percussive wave, the periphery of the armor panel 101 is placed in tension).
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may be made out of a relatively more flexible material (e.g., glass fibers impregnated with a resin) than the armor panel 101 such that the flexibility of the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may absorb these tension loads and thereby increase the structural integrity of the armor system 100 .
- the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 may also be configured to absorb mechanical loads transmitted through the fastener 130 coupling the bracket 122 to the armor panel 101 and the inserts 106 , 107 , 108 .
- an armor system 200 includes an armor panel 201 , one or more inserts 202 embedded in the armor panel 201 , and a bracket 203 configured to couple the armor system 200 to a component 204 of a vehicle or other structure, such as a building.
- the armor panel 201 and the one or more inserts 202 may be the same or similar to the armor panel 101 and the inserts 102 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B , and therefore these components will not be described in any further detail below.
- FIG. 1 In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
- the bracket 203 is a Z-channel having an inner leg 205 , an outer leg 206 , and a transverse leg 207 interconnecting the inner and outer legs 205 , 206 .
- the Z-channel bracket 203 is configured to facilitate coupling the armor panel 201 and the embedded inserts 202 to the component 204 of the vehicle or other structure in a lap joint configuration (e.g., the Z-channel bracket 203 facilitates a configuration in which an inner surface 208 of an inner insert 202 abuts an outer surface 209 of the component 204 of the vehicle or other structure).
- an inner surface 210 of the inner leg 205 of the Z-channel bracket 203 abuts the outer surface 209 of the component 204 of the vehicle or other structure and an inner surface 211 of the outer leg 206 of the Z-channel bracket 203 abuts an outer surface 212 of the armor panel 201 .
- the inner leg 205 of the Z-channel bracket 203 also defines one or more openings 213 configured to receive one or more fasteners 214 coupling the Z-channel bracket 203 to the component 204 and the outer leg 206 defines one or more openings 215 configured to receive one or more fasteners 216 coupling the Z-channel bracket 203 to the armor panel 201 and the one or more inserts 202 embedded in the armor panel 201 .
- the fasteners 214 , 216 may be either permanent fasteners (e.g., rivets) or removable fasteners (e.g., hex bolts and nuts) configured to facilitate detachment and reattachment of the armor system 100 to the vehicle or other structure.
- permanent fasteners e.g., rivets
- removable fasteners e.g., hex bolts and nuts
- an armor system 300 includes an armor panel 301 , one or more inserts 302 embedded in the armor panel 301 , and a bracket 303 configured to couple the armor system 300 to a component 304 of a vehicle or other structure, such as a building.
- the armor panel 301 and the one or more inserts 302 may be the same or similar to the armor panel 101 and the inserts 102 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C , and therefore these components will not be described in any further detail below.
- the bracket 303 includes a mullion 305 and a cover plate 306 .
- the mullion 305 is configured to space an edge 307 of the armor panel 301 and the embedded inserts 302 apart from an edge 308 of the component 304 (e.g., the mullion 305 is a divider spacing the armor panel 301 and the embedded inserts 302 apart from the component 304 of vehicle or other structure).
- the mullion 305 is a rod or a bar having a square cross-section and the cover plate 306 is a flat plate, although in one or more alternate embodiments, the mullion 305 and the cover plate 306 may have any other suitable shapes.
- the cover plate 306 is configured to span across a portion of the component 304 , the mullion 305 , and a portion of the armor panel 301 .
- the cover plate 306 is also configured to overlap at least a portion of the one or more inserts 302 embedded in the armor panel 301 .
- the portion 309 of the cover plate 306 overlapping the component 304 defines at least one opening 310 configured to receive a fastener 311 coupling the cover plate 306 to the component 304 .
- the portion 312 of the cover plate 306 overlapping the armor panel 301 and the inserts 302 defines at least one opening 313 configured to receive a fastener 314 coupling the cover plate 306 to the armor panel 301 and the one or more inserts 302 embedded in the armor panel 301 .
- the fasteners 311 , 314 may be either permanent fasteners (e.g., rivets) or removable fasteners (e.g., hex bolts and nuts) configured to facilitate detachment and reattachment of the armor system 300 to the component 304 of the vehicle or other structure.
- the cover plate 306 and the mullion 305 may be separate components coupled together by any suitable process, such as, for instance, bonding, welding, mechanical fastening, or any combination thereof.
- the cover plate 306 and the mullion 305 may be integrally formed, such as by an extrusion forming process.
- the embodiment of the armor system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be similar to the embodiment of the armor system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C with the addition of a mullion 305 separating the armor panel 301 and the embedded inserts 302 from the component 304 of the vehicle or other structure.
- the method 400 of manufacturing the armor system 100 , 200 , 300 includes a task 410 of manufacturing a ballistics-grade armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the task 410 of manufacturing the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 includes alternately stacking layers of glass panels and interlayers.
- the task 410 of manufacturing the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 includes alternately stacking five glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 and four interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C , although in one or more alternate embodiments, any other number of layers may be stacked depending on the desired characteristics of the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for instance, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.
- PVB polyvinyl butyral
- TPUs thermoplastic polyurethanes
- EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 may be manufactured out of any other suitable material, such as, for instance, transparent materials (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof) or opaque materials (e.g., metal (e.g., steel or titanium), metal alloys, ceramic, composite (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic), aramids (i.e., synthetic fibers), or any combinations thereof) depending on the desired characteristics of the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- transparent materials e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof
- opaque materials e.g., metal (e.g., steel or titanium), metal alloys, ceramic, composite (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic), aramids (i.e., synthetic fibers), or any combinations thereof) depending on the desired characteristics of the armor panel 101 , 201 ,
- the materials and thickness of the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 may be selected based on the intended application of the armor system 100 , 200 , 300 and the desired ballistics-protection rating of the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the method 400 may include a task of obtaining a pre-fabricated armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the method 400 of manufacturing the armor system 100 , 200 , 300 also includes a task 420 of embedding one or more inserts 102 , 202 , 302 in the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the task 420 of embedding the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 in the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 includes placing an outer insert 106 , a middle insert 108 , and an inner insert 107 around a periphery of the armor panel 101 such that the second glass layer 112 and the first and second interlayers 116 , 117 extend between the outer insert 106 and the middle insert 108 and the fourth glass layer 114 and the third and fourth interlayers 118 , 119 extend between the middle insert 108 and the inner insert 107 , as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C .
- the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 may be placed around the periphery of the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 , in one or more alternate embodiments, the method 400 may include placing the one or more inserts 102 , 202 , 302 at any other desired locations along or in the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the task 420 of embedding one or more inserts 102 , 202 , 302 in the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 may include forming notches or recesses in the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 by any suitable process (e.g., waterjet cutting or machining) and then inserting the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 into the notches or recesses.
- any suitable process e.g., waterjet cutting or machining
- the method 400 also includes a task 430 of coupling the one or more inserts 102 , 202 , 302 to the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the task 430 of coupling the one or more inserts 102 , 202 , 302 to the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 includes subjecting the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 and the one or more inserts 102 , 202 , 302 to an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure, such as, for instance, in an autoclave lamination process.
- the elevated temperature may be at least approximately 150° F. and the elevated pressure may be at least approximately 50 psi.
- the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 includes a stack of glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 and interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119
- the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 are configured to melt and thereby mechanically and/or chemically bond the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 together and mechanically and/or chemically bond the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 to the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 are made out of a composite material (e.g., glass fibers impregnated with a resin)
- a portion of the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 may be drawn into the glass fibers, thereby adhering the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 to the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 (i.e., a portion of the interlayer 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 may be infused into the glass fibers of the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 due to the elevated temperature and pressure during the autoclave lamination process, thereby laminated the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 to the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 ).
- a composite material e.g., glass fibers impregnated with a resin
- the alternating stack of glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 and interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 may be subject to a first autoclave lamination process during which the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 melt and thereby mechanically and/or chemically bond the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 together into a glazing to form the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 may then be embedded into the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 (e.g., in or between one or more of the glass layers 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 ) and then the combined assembly of the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 and the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 may be subject to a second autoclave lamination process during which the interlayers 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 melt and thereby mechanically and/or chemically bond the inserts 102 , 202 , 302 to the armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 .
- the method 400 may also include a task 440 of coupling the armor system 100 , 200 , 300 to any desired structure (e.g., a frame surrounding a window in a vehicle or building).
- the task 440 of coupling the armor system 100 , 200 , 300 to the desired structure includes using a bracket having the desired configuration, such as, for instance, a flat bracket 122 ( FIGS. 1A-1C ), a Z-channel bracket 203 ( FIG. 2 ), or a bracket 303 having a mullion 305 and a cover plate 306 ( FIG.
- the embodiments of the present disclosure may not be configured to provide ballistics-grade protection.
- the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 , 201 , 301 may be replaced by a standard glass panel used in architectural applications (e.g., a window, a partition, an awning, or an atrium).
- the term “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.
- a component when referred to as being “on” another component, it can be directly on the other component or components may also be present therebetween.
- a component when a component is component is referred to as being “coupled” to another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or intervening components may be present therebetween.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
An armor system configured to be coupled to a frame surrounding a window in a vehicle or other structure, such as a building. The armor system may be configured to provide any desired ballistics protection rating. The armor system includes a ballistics-grade armor panel and at least one insert embedded in the ballistics-grade armor panel. The insert extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel. The one or more inserts may be configured to reduce the parasitic weight of the armor system.
Description
- The present disclosure relates generally to armor and, more particularly, to armor having embedded inserts.
- Armor systems are commonly incorporated into vehicles (e.g., land assault vehicles, personnel carriers, aircraft, and naval ships) and other structures (e.g., buildings, bunkers, and barricades) to protect personnel and property against ballistic strikes (e.g., projectiles and shrapnel) and percussive waves associated with a nearby explosion. Conventional armor systems typically include a ballistics-grade armor panel and a metallic channel or frame (e.g., a C-channel or a Z-channel) extending around the periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel. The channel is configured to facilitate attachment of the armor system to a vehicle or other structure. For instance, the channel may be configured to overlap a frame surrounding a window in a vehicle such that the armor system may be attached to the vehicle with a series of mechanical fasteners extending through the channel and into the frame of the vehicle. These conventional channels, however, increase the parasitic weight of the overall armor system and thereby adversely affect the performance of the vehicle (e.g., by limiting speed and increasing fuel consumption) into which the armor system is incorporated and increase the difficulty of installing the armor system. Furthermore, conventional armor panels are commonly potted with a sealant into the channel, which both increases the parasitic weight of the armor system and increases the complexity of manufacturing the armor system. Additionally, the region of overlap between the armor panel and the channel is overdesigned and redundant because both the armor panel and the channel provide ballistics protection. Similarly, any region of overlap between the armor panel and the frame of the vehicle or other structure into which the armor panel is incorporated is overdesigned and redundant. These overdesigned regions in conventional armor systems result in the conventional armor systems being weight-inefficient. Additionally, some conventional armor systems incorporate an armor panel formed from exotic ballistics-grade materials, such as transparent ceramics, to reduce the parasitic weight of the armor system. However, such exotic ballistics-grade materials are cost-inefficient and/or may not be as readily available as conventional armor panel materials, such as glass.
- The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of armor systems configured to be attached to a vehicle or other structure, such as a building, and thereby protect personnel against ballistic strikes and percussive waves associated with a nearby blast. In one embodiment, the armor includes a ballistics-grade armor panel and at least one insert embedded in the ballistics-grade armor panel. The at least one insert has a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel. The insert may extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel. The armor system may also include a bracket configured to couple the armor system to a vehicle or a structure. A portion of the bracket may be configured to overlap at least a portion of the at least one insert embedded in the armor panel. The armor system may also include at least one fastener extending through the portion of the bracket overlapping the at least one insert and through the at least one insert. The bracket may have any desired shape, such as a flat plate, a Z-channel, or a mullion and a cover plate. The armor panel may be made out of any desired material, such as glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof. The insert may be made out of any desired material, such as ceramics, metals, aramids, polyethylene, polypropylene, or glass fibers impregnated with a resin. The ballistics-grade armor panel may include a stack of alternating glass layers and interlayers, the at least one insert may include a first insert spaced from a second insert, and at least one glass layer and one interlayer may extend between the first and second inserts. The first insert may be on an outer surface of the ballistics-grade armor panel and the second insert may be on an inner surface of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
- The present disclosure is also directed to various embodiments of an armored vehicle. In one embodiment, the armored vehicle includes at least one window, a frame surrounding the at least one window, and an armor system coupled to the frame of the vehicle. The armor system includes a ballistics-grade armor panel, at least one insert embedded in the ballistics-grade armor panel, and a bracket coupling the armor system to the frame of the vehicle. The at least one insert has a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel. At least a portion of the bracket overlaps at least a portion of the at least one insert. The insert may extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel. The armor panel may be made out of any desired material, such as glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof. The insert may be made out of any desired material, such as ceramics, metals, or glass fibers impregnated with a resin.
- The present disclosure is also directed to various embodiments of manufacturing an armor system. In one embodiment, the method includes laminating at least one insert to a ballistics-grade armor panel with an interlayer. Laminating the at least one insert to the ballistics-grade armor panel comprises may include subjecting the interlayer to an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure in an autoclave. The elevated temperature may be at least approximately 150° F. and the elevated pressure may be at least approximately 50 psi. The at least one insert may have a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel. The armor panel may be made out of any desired material, such as glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof. The insert may be made out of any desired material, such as ceramics, metals, or glass fibers impregnated with a resin. The interlayer may be made out of any suitable material, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.
- This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- Embodiments of an armor system according to the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures. The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of an armor system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the armor system illustrated inFIG. 1B taken along line I-I; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of an armor system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an armor system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating tasks of manufacturing an armor system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. - The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of an armor system and various methods of manufacturing the armor system. The embodiments of the armor systems of the present disclosure are configured to be coupled to a vehicle (e.g., armored assault vehicle, personnel carrier, military aircraft, or naval ship) or any other structure requiring ballistics protection, such as a building or a structural barrier (e.g., a barricade). The armor systems of the present disclosure, in at least one example embodiment, are configured to absorb the kinetic energy of high-powered projectiles striking the armor systems. In at least one embodiment, the armor systems of the present disclosure are also configured to deflect percussive energy, such as a shock wave, and thereby protect the individuals inside the building, the vehicle cabin, the building, or other structure against nearby explosives or other concussive devices. The armor systems of the present disclosure may be coupled either to a vehicle or building's windows or on non-transparent surfaces of the vehicle or other structure (e.g., the armor systems may be coupled to an outer skin or panel of an armored vehicle). The armor systems of the present disclosure may be configured to provide any desired ballistics protection rating. Additionally, the armor systems of the present disclosure may include a ballistics-grade armor panel, one or more inserts embedded in the armor panel, and at least one bracket overlapping the inserts and configured to couple the armor system to a vehicle or other structure. As described in detail below, the inserts may be configured to reduce the parasitic weight of the armor system by reducing the weight of the ballistics-grade armor panel in a region of overlap between the ballistics-grade armor panel and the bracket.
- With reference now to
FIGS. 1A-1C , anarmor system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a ballistics-grade armor panel 101 and at least oneinsert 102 embedded or inset in the ballistics-grade armor panel 101. As used herein, the term “embedded” shall mean that at least a portion of the embedded component extends below an exterior surface of the component into which it is embedded. The embedded component may be either partially exposed or completely concealed by the component into which it is embedded. In the illustrated embodiment, the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 is a rectangular prism having anouter strike surface 103 and aninner surface 104 opposite theouter strike surface 103. In one or more alternate example embodiments, the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 may have any other desired shape suitable for the intended application of the armor system, such as, for instance, circular, trapezoidal, triangular, or irregularly shaped. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1C , thearmor system 100 is shown attached to acomponent 105 of a vehicle or other structure, such as a building (e.g., thecomponent 105 may be a frame surrounding a window in a vehicle or a building). In one embodiment in which thearmor system 100 is attached to aframe 105 surrounding a window in the vehicle or other structure, the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 may be configured to substantially match the shape and size of the window. In one or more alternate embodiments, thearmor panel 101 may be smaller or larger than the window in the vehicle or other structure in which thearmor system 100 is intended to be installed and/or the shape of thearmor panel 101 may not match the shape of the window. Additionally, in one or more alternate embodiments, thearmor system 100 may be configured to attach to any other part of the vehicle or other structure (e.g., thearmor system 100 may be coupled to an outer skin or panel of an armored vehicle or a building). - With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1C , thearmor system 100 includes anouter insert 106 proximate theouter strike surface 103 of thearmor panel 101, aninner insert 107 proximate theinner surface 104 of thearmor panel 101, and amiddle insert 108 disposed between the outer andinner inserts inserts portions armor panel 101 extending betweenadjacent inserts portions armor panel 101 extending between theinserts inserts armor panel 101, as described in more detail below. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, theinserts armor panel 101. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the inserts match or substantially match the shape of the periphery of thearmor panel 101. For instance, in an embodiment in which thearmor panel 101 is a rectangular prism, theinserts inserts armor panel 101, although in one or more alternate embodiments, theinserts inserts armor system 100 in the illustrated embodiment includes threeinserts armor system 100 may include any other desired number ofinserts armor system 100. - Although in the illustrated embodiment the
inserts armor panel 101, in one or more alternate embodiments, theinserts inserts armor panel 101 and/or located at discrete positions along the armor panel 101). - In one embodiment, the
inserts armor panel 101 such that theinserts inserts armor panel 101 occupied by theinserts armor panel 100 and theinserts inserts inserts armor system 100, such as, for instance, E-glass (alumino-borosilicate glass with less than 1% w/w alkali oxides), A-glass (alkali-lime glass) E-CR-glass (alumino-lime silicate with less than 1% w/w alkali oxides), C-glass (alkali-lime glass with high boron oxide content), D-glass (borosilicate glass), R-glass (alumino silicate glass with calcium oxide (CaO)), or S-glass (alumino silicate glass with high magnesium oxide (MgO) content). In one embodiment, theinserts - In one or more alternate embodiments, the
inserts armor panel 101 is made out of an opaque material, such as metal or ceramic composite, theinserts armor panel 101, such as, for instance, aluminum. Additionally, in one embodiment, each of theinserts inserts inserts - Still referring to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1C , the ballistics-grade armor panel 101 may be either transparent or opaque depending upon the intended application of thearmor system 100. For instance, thearmor panel 101 may be transparent when thearmor system 100 is configured to cover windows in a vehicle or other structure and visibility through thearmor panel 101 is desired. Thearmor panel 101 may be opaque when thearmor system 100 is configured to be incorporated into a structural barrier or other structure where visibility through the structure is not desired or required. Thetransparent armor panel 101 may be composed of any suitable material configured to absorb and deflect kinetic energy and percussive energy, such as, for example, glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, or any combinations thereof. Theopaque armor panel 101 may be composed of any suitable ballistics-grade material, such as, for example, metal (e.g., steel, titanium), metal alloys, ceramic, composite (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic), aramids (i.e., synthetic fibers), or any combinations thereof. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1C , thearmor panel 101 includes a stack of alternatingglass layers interlayers grade armor panel 101 may include a stack of alternating glass layers and interlayers and a polycarbonate layer substituting for one or more of the glass layers. For instance, in one embodiment, the first, third, andfifth layers fourth layers interlayers FIGS. 1A-1C , thearmor panel 101 includes fiveglass layers interlayers armor panel 101 may include any other suitable number of glass layers and interlayers depending on the desired ballistics protection rating of thearmor system 100. Theinterlayers - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1C , the glass layers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 alternate between relative large and relatively smaller glass panels. In particular, the first, third, andfifth glass panels fourth glass panels fifth glass panels fourth panels fourth panels fifth glass panels interlayers fourth glass panels 112, 114 (i.e., theinterlayers fourth glass panels 112, 114). Accordingly, peripheries of thesecond glass panel 112 and the first andsecond interlayers outer insert 106 and themiddle insert 108, and peripheries of thefourth glass layer 114 and the third andfourth interlayers middle insert 108 and theinner insert 107. Additionally, although the glass layers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 in the illustrated embodiment each have the same or substantially the same thickness T, in one or more alternate embodiments, the thicknesses of the glass layers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 may vary. Additionally, in one or more alternate embodiments, one or more of the glass layers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 may be a laminate of a plurality of glass layers (e.g., one or more of the glass layers 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 may be a glazing of multiple glass layers). - The materials and overall thickness of the
armor panel 101 may be configured to provide any desired ballistics protection level, such as a level of ballistics protection in conformity with one or more of the standards promulgated by the National Institute of Justice (“NIJ”) (e.g., NIJ Level I to IV or NIJ Standard 0108.01), the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB), NATO Standardization Agreement (“STANAG”) (e.g., STANAG AEP 55, Volume 1), Underwriters Laboratory (“UL”) (e.g., UL-752), EuroNorm (e.g., EuroNorm 1063), and/or any custom criteria. - Still referring to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1C , anouter surface 120 of theouter insert 106 is substantially flush or co-planar with theouter strike surface 103 of thearmor panel 101, although in one or more alternate embodiments, theouter surface 120 of theouter insert 106 may be non-coplanar with theouter strike surface 103 of the armor panel 101 (e.g., theouter surface 120 of theouter insert 106 may project above or be recessed below theouter strike surface 103 of the armor panel 101). Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, aninner surface 121 of theinner insert 107 is substantially flush or co-planar with theinner surface 104 of thearmor panel 101, although in one or more alternate embodiments, theinner surface 121 of theinner insert 107 may be non-coplanar with theinner surface 104 of thearmor panel 101. As used herein, the term “inner surface” refers to a surface that faces inward toward the building, vehicle, or other structure to which thearmor system 100 is coupled. The term “outer surface” refers to a surface that faces away from the building, vehicle, or other structure to which thearmor system 100 is coupled. - With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1C , thearmor system 100 also includes at least onebracket 122 configured to facilitate attachment of thearmor system 100 to thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure (e.g., in one embodiment, thebracket 122 may couple thearmor system 100 to a frame surrounding a window in the vehicle or other structure, such as a building). Aportion 123 of thebracket 122 overlaps theinserts armor panel 101 and anotherportion 124 of thebracket 122 overlaps thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure (i.e., thebracket 122 spans across theinserts armor panel 101 and thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure). Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, aportion 125 of thebracket 122 extends past theinserts bracket 122 may not extend past theinserts bracket 122 may be substantially or approximately in-line with theinserts - The
portion 123 of thebracket 122 overlapping theinserts openings inserts interlayers openings fastener 130 coupling thebracket 122 to the armor panel and theinserts fastener 130 extends through theopenings bracket 122, theinserts interlayers portion 124 of thebracket 122 overlapping thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure defines at least oneopening 131 aligned with anopening 132 in thecomponent 105. The aligned openings in the 130, 131 in thebracket 122 and thecomponent 105 are configured to receive afastener 133 coupling thebracket 122 to thecomponent 105. Thefasteners armor system 100 to thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure. In one embodiment, thearmor system 100 may also include bushings receiving thefasteners bracket 122 to thearmor panel 101 and thecomponent 105, respectively. In one or more alternate embodiments, thearmor panel 101 may be provided without theopenings bracket 122 and the nature of the connection between thearmor panel 101 and the bracket 122 (e.g., in one embodiment, thebracket 122 may be a C-channel and thearmor panel 101 may be press-fit into the C-channel bracket 122). - The
bracket 122 may have any desired size and shape suitable for the configuration of thearmor panel 101 and the embeddedinserts component 105 of the vehicle or other structure, and the desired configuration of the joint between thearmor panel 101 and thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1C , thebracket 122 is a substantially flat plate having anouter surface 134 and aninner surface 135 opposite theouter surface 134. Theflat bracket 122 facilitates installing thearmor panel 101 and the embeddedinserts component 105 of the vehicle or other structure such that theouter strike surface 103 of thearmor panel 101 is substantially flush or co-planar with anouter surface 136 of thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure to which thearmor system 100 is installed (e.g., theflat bracket 122 facilitates a butt joint between thearmor panel 101 and thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure). Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, theinner surface 135 of theflat bracket 122 abuts theouter surfaces component 105, theouter insert 106, and thearmor panel 101, respectively. Thebracket 122 may be made out of any material suitable for the desired ballistics protection rating of thearmor system 100, such as, for instance, metal (e.g., steel). In one embodiment, the thickness and material of thebracket 122 may be selected such that thebracket 122 has substantially the same ballistics protection rating as thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure and/or the same ballistics protection rating as thearmor panel 101. Additionally, although thebracket 122 has been described above as a separate part or member from thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure, in one or more alternate embodiments, thebracket 122 may be an integral portion of thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure (e.g., thebracket 122 may be integrally formed with, or permanently fixed to, thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure to which thearmor system 100 is configured to be coupled). - In addition to reducing the parasitic weight of the
armor system 100, as described above, theinserts armor panel 101 and thecomponent 105 of the vehicle or other structure to which thearmor panel 101 is attached. For instance, in one embodiment, thearmor panel 101 may be made out of one or more relatively brittle materials (e.g., glass) that are not well-suited to absorb tension loads (e.g., when thearmor panel 101 is struck by a projectile or a percussive wave, the periphery of thearmor panel 101 is placed in tension). Accordingly, in one embodiment, theinserts armor panel 101 such that the flexibility of theinserts armor system 100. Additionally, theinserts fastener 130 coupling thebracket 122 to thearmor panel 101 and theinserts - With reference now to
FIG. 2 , anarmor system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes anarmor panel 201, one ormore inserts 202 embedded in thearmor panel 201, and abracket 203 configured to couple thearmor system 200 to acomponent 204 of a vehicle or other structure, such as a building. Thearmor panel 201 and the one ormore inserts 202 may be the same or similar to thearmor panel 101 and theinserts 102 described above with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B , and therefore these components will not be described in any further detail below. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2 , thebracket 203 is a Z-channel having aninner leg 205, anouter leg 206, and atransverse leg 207 interconnecting the inner andouter legs channel bracket 203 is configured to facilitate coupling thearmor panel 201 and the embeddedinserts 202 to thecomponent 204 of the vehicle or other structure in a lap joint configuration (e.g., the Z-channel bracket 203 facilitates a configuration in which aninner surface 208 of aninner insert 202 abuts anouter surface 209 of thecomponent 204 of the vehicle or other structure). Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, aninner surface 210 of theinner leg 205 of the Z-channel bracket 203 abuts theouter surface 209 of thecomponent 204 of the vehicle or other structure and aninner surface 211 of theouter leg 206 of the Z-channel bracket 203 abuts anouter surface 212 of thearmor panel 201. Theinner leg 205 of the Z-channel bracket 203 also defines one ormore openings 213 configured to receive one ormore fasteners 214 coupling the Z-channel bracket 203 to thecomponent 204 and theouter leg 206 defines one ormore openings 215 configured to receive one ormore fasteners 216 coupling the Z-channel bracket 203 to thearmor panel 201 and the one ormore inserts 202 embedded in thearmor panel 201. Thefasteners armor system 100 to the vehicle or other structure. - With reference now to
FIG. 3 , anarmor system 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes anarmor panel 301, one ormore inserts 302 embedded in thearmor panel 301, and abracket 303 configured to couple thearmor system 300 to acomponent 304 of a vehicle or other structure, such as a building. In one embodiment, thearmor panel 301 and the one ormore inserts 302 may be the same or similar to thearmor panel 101 and theinserts 102 described above with reference toFIGS. 1A-1C , and therefore these components will not be described in any further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, thebracket 303 includes amullion 305 and acover plate 306. Themullion 305 is configured to space anedge 307 of thearmor panel 301 and the embeddedinserts 302 apart from anedge 308 of the component 304 (e.g., themullion 305 is a divider spacing thearmor panel 301 and the embeddedinserts 302 apart from thecomponent 304 of vehicle or other structure). In the illustrated embodiment, themullion 305 is a rod or a bar having a square cross-section and thecover plate 306 is a flat plate, although in one or more alternate embodiments, themullion 305 and thecover plate 306 may have any other suitable shapes. Thecover plate 306 is configured to span across a portion of thecomponent 304, themullion 305, and a portion of thearmor panel 301. Thecover plate 306 is also configured to overlap at least a portion of the one ormore inserts 302 embedded in thearmor panel 301. Theportion 309 of thecover plate 306 overlapping thecomponent 304 defines at least oneopening 310 configured to receive afastener 311 coupling thecover plate 306 to thecomponent 304. Similarly, theportion 312 of thecover plate 306 overlapping thearmor panel 301 and theinserts 302 defines at least oneopening 313 configured to receive afastener 314 coupling thecover plate 306 to thearmor panel 301 and the one ormore inserts 302 embedded in thearmor panel 301. Thefasteners armor system 300 to thecomponent 304 of the vehicle or other structure. In one embodiment, thecover plate 306 and themullion 305 may be separate components coupled together by any suitable process, such as, for instance, bonding, welding, mechanical fastening, or any combination thereof. In one or more alternate embodiments, thecover plate 306 and themullion 305 may be integrally formed, such as by an extrusion forming process. In one embodiment, the embodiment of thearmor system 300 illustrated inFIG. 3 may be similar to the embodiment of thearmor system 100 illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1C with the addition of amullion 305 separating thearmor panel 301 and the embeddedinserts 302 from thecomponent 304 of the vehicle or other structure. - With reference now to the flowchart illustrated in
FIG. 4 , amethod 400 of manufacturing anarmor system armor system method 400 of manufacturing thearmor system task 410 of manufacturing a ballistics-grade armor panel task 410 of manufacturing thearmor panel task 410 of manufacturing thearmor panel glass layers interlayers FIGS. 1A-1C , although in one or more alternate embodiments, any other number of layers may be stacked depending on the desired characteristics of thearmor panel interlayers - Additionally, in one or more alternate embodiments, the
armor panel armor panel armor panel armor system armor panel method 400 may include a task of obtaining apre-fabricated armor panel - With continued reference to
FIG. 4 , themethod 400 of manufacturing thearmor system task 420 of embedding one ormore inserts armor panel task 420 of embedding theinserts armor panel outer insert 106, amiddle insert 108, and aninner insert 107 around a periphery of thearmor panel 101 such that thesecond glass layer 112 and the first andsecond interlayers outer insert 106 and themiddle insert 108 and thefourth glass layer 114 and the third andfourth interlayers middle insert 108 and theinner insert 107, as illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1C . Additionally, although in one embodiment theinserts armor panel method 400 may include placing the one ormore inserts armor panel task 420 of embedding one ormore inserts armor panel armor panel inserts - Still referring to
FIG. 4 , themethod 400 also includes atask 430 of coupling the one ormore inserts armor panel task 430 of coupling the one ormore inserts armor panel armor panel more inserts armor panel interlayers armor panel more inserts interlayers inserts armor panel inserts interlayers inserts armor panel interlayer inserts inserts armor panel interlayers interlayers armor panel inserts armor panel inserts armor panel interlayers inserts armor panel - With continued reference to the flowchart illustrated in
FIG. 4 , themethod 400 may also include atask 440 of coupling thearmor system task 440 of coupling thearmor system FIGS. 1A-1C ), a Z-channel bracket 203 (FIG. 2 ), or abracket 303 having amullion 305 and a cover plate 306 (FIG. 3 ), and installing fasteners coupling thebracket armor panel inserts component - Although the
armor systems grade armor panel - While this invention has been described in detail with particular references to exemplary embodiments thereof, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of assembly and operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this invention, as set forth in the following claims. Although relative terms such as “outer,” “inner,” “upper,” “lower,” and similar terms have been used herein to describe a spatial relationship of one element to another, it is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the various elements and components of the invention in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Additionally, as used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, as used herein, when a component is referred to as being “on” another component, it can be directly on the other component or components may also be present therebetween. Moreover, when a component is component is referred to as being “coupled” to another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or intervening components may be present therebetween.
Claims (21)
1. An armor system, comprising:
a ballistics-grade armor panel; and
at least one insert embedded in the ballistics-grade armor panel, the at least one insert having a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
2. The armor system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one insert extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
3. The armor system of claim 1 , further comprising a bracket configured to couple the armor system to a vehicle or a structure, wherein a portion of the bracket is configured to overlap at least a portion of the at least one insert.
4. The armor system of claim 3 , further comprising:
at least one fastener extending through the portion of the bracket overlapping the at least one insert and through the at least one insert.
5. The armor system of claim 3 , wherein the bracket is a flat plate.
6. The armor system of claim 3 , wherein the bracket is a Z-channel.
7. The armor system of claim 1 , wherein a material of the ballistics-grade armor panel is selected from the group of transparent materials consisting of glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, and any combinations thereof.
8. The armor system of claim 1 , wherein a material of the at least one insert is selected from the group of materials consisting of ceramics, metals, aramids, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass fibers impregnated with a resin, and combinations thereof.
9. The armor system of claim 1 , wherein:
the ballistics-grade armor panel comprises a stack of alternating glass layers and interlayers;
the at least one insert comprises a first insert and a second insert spaced apart from the first insert; and
at least one glass layer and at least one interlayer extend between the first and second inserts.
10. The armor system of claim 9 , wherein the first insert is on an outer surface of the ballistics-grade armor panel and the second insert is on an inner surface of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
11. An armored vehicle, comprising:
a vehicle, comprising:
at least one window; and
a frame surrounding the at least one window;
an armor system coupled to the frame of the vehicle, the armor system comprising:
a ballistics-grade armor panel; and
at least one insert embedded in the ballistics-grade armor panel, the at least one insert having a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel; and
a bracket coupling the armor system to the frame of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the bracket overlaps at least a portion of the at least one insert.
12. The armored vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the at least one insert extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
13. The armored vehicle of claim 11 , wherein a material of the ballistics-grade armor panel is selected from the group of transparent materials consisting of glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, and any combinations thereof.
14. The armored vehicle of claim 11 , wherein a material of the at least one insert is selected from the group of materials consisting of ceramics, metals, aramids, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass fibers impregnated with a resin, and combinations thereof.
15. A method of manufacturing an armor system, comprising:
laminating at least one insert to a ballistics-grade armor panel with an interlayer, the at least one insert having a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the laminating of the at least one insert to the ballistics-grade armor panel comprises subjecting the interlayer to an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure in an autoclave.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the elevated temperature is at least approximately 150° F. and the elevated pressure is at least approximately 50 psi.
18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the at least one insert has a mass density less than a mass density of the ballistics-grade armor panel.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein a material of the ballistics-grade armor panel is selected from the group of transparent materials consisting of glass, interlayer, acrylic, polycarbonate, plastic, transparent ceramic, ionomers, ionoplasts, and any combinations thereof.
20. The method of claim 15 , wherein a material of the at least one insert is selected from the group of materials consisting of ceramics, metals, aramids, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass fibers impregnated with a resin, and combinations thereof.
21. The method of claim 15 , wherein the interlayer comprises a material selected from the group of materials consisting of polyvinyl butyral, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/318,195 US9803959B2 (en) | 2014-06-27 | 2014-06-27 | Reduced weight armor systems and methods of manufacturing the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/318,195 US9803959B2 (en) | 2014-06-27 | 2014-06-27 | Reduced weight armor systems and methods of manufacturing the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150377595A1 true US20150377595A1 (en) | 2015-12-31 |
US9803959B2 US9803959B2 (en) | 2017-10-31 |
Family
ID=54930125
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/318,195 Active 2034-10-07 US9803959B2 (en) | 2014-06-27 | 2014-06-27 | Reduced weight armor systems and methods of manufacturing the same |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9803959B2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160025458A1 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2016-01-28 | Np Aerospace Limited | Vehicle armour |
WO2019186496A1 (en) * | 2018-03-31 | 2019-10-03 | Agp America S.A. | Armored window with lateral confinement |
US10737468B2 (en) * | 2016-10-28 | 2020-08-11 | Plaskolite Massachusetts, Llc | High security polycarbonate laminate windows with insulated glazing units |
US20200254731A1 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2020-08-13 | Agp America S.A. | Glass laminate with inlay obscuration having superior strength and optical quality |
US11353294B2 (en) * | 2019-02-07 | 2022-06-07 | Chameleon Armor, Llc | Modular armor system |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3911811A1 (en) * | 2019-01-14 | 2021-11-24 | VKR Holding A/S | Vacuum insulated glass unit frame solution |
US11572691B1 (en) * | 2019-10-25 | 2023-02-07 | Newton Design, LLC | Modular wall system |
Citations (72)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR816814A (en) * | 1936-04-22 | 1937-08-18 | Impact resistant wall | |
US2410022A (en) * | 1942-08-05 | 1946-10-29 | Dumais Charles Joseph | Armor |
DE899605C (en) * | 1943-08-31 | 1953-12-14 | Berg Und Huettenbetr E Ag F | Riveted connection for armored battens |
US2991209A (en) * | 1956-12-31 | 1961-07-04 | Safetee Glass Company | Transparent bullet resisting structure |
US3380406A (en) * | 1965-04-28 | 1968-04-30 | Whittaker Corp | Composite design for transparent armour |
DE1653706A1 (en) * | 1966-10-10 | 1971-04-15 | Phoenix Gummiwerke Ag | Elastic mounting of an armor plate |
US3624238A (en) * | 1969-03-24 | 1971-11-30 | Binswanger Glass Co | Laminated transparent bullet resisting structure |
US3776094A (en) * | 1970-10-01 | 1973-12-04 | Clouth Gummiwerke Ag | Flexible structural member for a vehicle casing |
US4081581A (en) * | 1974-04-01 | 1978-03-28 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Laminated aircraft windshield |
US4550044A (en) * | 1983-08-08 | 1985-10-29 | Figgie International, Inc. | Ballistic resistant armor panel and method of constructing the same |
US4716810A (en) * | 1986-02-24 | 1988-01-05 | Detroit Punch & Retainer Corporation | Self-contained armor assembly |
US4932608A (en) * | 1987-12-28 | 1990-06-12 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Aircraft windshield design and method of use |
US5002820A (en) * | 1989-05-25 | 1991-03-26 | Artistic Glass Products | Laminated safety glass |
US5032466A (en) * | 1987-10-16 | 1991-07-16 | Lasar S.P.A. | Semi-rigid stratified shield |
US5229204A (en) * | 1992-02-28 | 1993-07-20 | Armorvision Plastics & Glass | Bullet-resistant transparent panel, and method and press for making same |
US5271311A (en) * | 1991-11-15 | 1993-12-21 | Madden Jr James R | Removable bullet proof apparatus for vehicles |
DE9314982U1 (en) * | 1993-10-02 | 1994-03-03 | Trasco Export Gmbh | Armored motor vehicle, in particular passenger cars |
DE4230073A1 (en) * | 1992-09-09 | 1994-03-10 | Rheinmetall Gmbh | Passive protection equipment for armoured-vehicle roof - comprises glass panes forming layers with narrow intervening gaps and offset for the layer width divided by the number of layers |
US5398592A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1995-03-21 | Fmc Corporation | Modular protection system |
DE4415879A1 (en) * | 1994-05-05 | 1995-11-09 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Vehicle armoured glass assembly |
US5594193A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1997-01-14 | Sheridan; Ronald J. | Bullet proof shield for vehicle windows |
US5668344A (en) * | 1994-01-25 | 1997-09-16 | Bornstein; Avraham | Ballistic panel |
US5670734A (en) * | 1994-10-05 | 1997-09-23 | United Defense, L.P. | Modular armor mounting system |
US5723807A (en) * | 1985-06-20 | 1998-03-03 | Fmc Corporation | Expanded metal armor |
DE19914538A1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2000-10-05 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Connecting system for fireproof panels in driving compartment of armoured car comprises housing made up of two steel sheets fitted on first panel between which second panel fits |
US6129974A (en) * | 1997-10-13 | 2000-10-10 | Isoclima Gmbh | Bulletproof glass window with metal insert |
US20010032540A1 (en) * | 1997-06-18 | 2001-10-25 | Noel Gourio | Armoured glazing, in particular for vehicle fixed or mobile side glazing |
US6327954B1 (en) * | 1993-06-03 | 2001-12-11 | Richard C. Medlin | Lightweight armored vehicle and method of making same |
DE10043793A1 (en) * | 2000-09-06 | 2002-03-14 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Armored safety glass and unit uses profile sectors at right angle on pane outer edges so sectors sit flush on opposing pane faces assisted by top T- or L-shaped profile bonded to panes. |
US6546692B1 (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2003-04-15 | Film Technologies International, Inc. | Method of mounting an insulated impact resistant glass composite in a window frame |
US6569787B1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2003-05-27 | Pilkington Aerospace Limited | Laminated glazings |
US6708595B1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2004-03-23 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | Laminated, reinforced glass plate |
DE10244368A1 (en) * | 2002-09-24 | 2004-04-01 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Armored-glass window for armored vehicles comprises an outer glass pane, inner second and third glass panes, and an edge reinforcement covering part of the inner side of the first glass pane |
US6818268B2 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2004-11-16 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Transparent armor structure |
US20050087064A1 (en) * | 2003-09-22 | 2005-04-28 | Michael Cohen | Modular armored vehicle system |
WO2005045351A1 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-05-19 | Rufus Paul Roodt | Ballistic shield |
US20060252328A1 (en) * | 2004-01-13 | 2006-11-09 | Mel Bingenheimer | Fiber reinforced resin/construction and method for providing blast absorption and deflection characteristics and associated fastening system utilized with such a contruction |
US7225717B2 (en) * | 2004-06-15 | 2007-06-05 | Square One Armoring Services Company | Vehicle armor system |
EP1916496A1 (en) * | 2006-10-25 | 2008-04-30 | Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG | Motor vehicle, in particular military, protected against external explosions |
US20080187721A1 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2008-08-07 | Isoclima Gmbh | Bulletproof window |
WO2008127272A1 (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2008-10-23 | Protected Vehicles, Inc. | Systems and methods for enhancing the protection provided by armored vehicles |
WO2008140480A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2008-11-20 | Corning Incorporated | Crack-arresting transparent armor |
US20090047453A1 (en) * | 2007-08-13 | 2009-02-19 | Smart Nanomaterials, Llc | Nano-enhanced smart panel |
US20090282968A1 (en) * | 2004-07-01 | 2009-11-19 | Colliflower Anne B | Anti-ballistic materials and process |
US7698985B2 (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2010-04-20 | C{Dot Over (O)}Lt Rapip Mat Llc | Rapidly installable energy barrier system |
US7823498B2 (en) * | 2007-11-10 | 2010-11-02 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Vehicle protective structure |
US7854190B2 (en) * | 2005-04-11 | 2010-12-21 | Georgia Tech Research Corporation | Boron carbide component and methods for the manufacture thereof |
DE102009060923A1 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2011-08-04 | KS Composite & Protection GmbH, 03046 | Ballistic protection element for of people, building or vehicle, is formed plate-shaped ceramic elements that are connected with each other with adhesive in two layers |
US20110185884A1 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2011-08-04 | Esw Gmbh | Bullet-resistant transparent laminate composite and protection arrangement having a bullet-resistant transparent laminate composite |
US8088462B1 (en) * | 2007-10-16 | 2012-01-03 | Clear Defense LLC | Protective film systems and kits for vehicular windows and window assemblies and methods using the same |
US8088472B2 (en) * | 2004-09-28 | 2012-01-03 | AGP América S.A. | Armored glass composition with perimeter reinforcement |
US20120103178A1 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2012-05-03 | Rudy Hendrik Gerard Koster | Armour, in particular passive armour, use of a compound in an armour and a method for manufacturing |
US20120160084A1 (en) * | 2010-12-13 | 2012-06-28 | Benjamin Mosser | Ceramic armor and method of manufacturing by brazing ceramic to a metal frame |
US20120204711A1 (en) * | 2011-02-10 | 2012-08-16 | Engleman Gregory W | Apparatus for Defeating Threat Projectiles |
US20130284339A1 (en) * | 2011-02-25 | 2013-10-31 | WestWind Technologies, Inc. | Ballistic Protection Systems and Methods |
US20140060306A1 (en) * | 2012-09-04 | 2014-03-06 | Isoclima S.P.A. | Bulletproof window |
US8689671B2 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2014-04-08 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Lightweight armor and methods of making |
US20140144313A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-05-29 | Isoclima S.P.A. | Armoured window construction |
US8763512B2 (en) * | 2012-04-18 | 2014-07-01 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Amphibious armor |
US8906484B1 (en) * | 2012-05-02 | 2014-12-09 | The Boeing Company | System of composite armor including release layers |
US20150024165A1 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2015-01-22 | U.S. Army Research Laboratory Attn: Rdrl-Loc-I | Transparent armor construction |
US20150114211A1 (en) * | 2007-04-20 | 2015-04-30 | Roger T.A Medwell | Vehicular armour |
US9040160B2 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2015-05-26 | Schott Corporation | Multilayer armor |
US20150211830A1 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-07-30 | Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. | Ballistic Tape |
US20150268009A1 (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2015-09-24 | Hardwire, Llc | Vehicular Armor System |
US20150268007A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2015-09-24 | Israel Military Industries Ltd. | Antiballistic article and method of producing same |
US20150292838A1 (en) * | 2014-04-13 | 2015-10-15 | Plasan Sasa Ltd. | Armor coupler |
US20150300784A1 (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2015-10-22 | Ppg Industries Ohio, Inc. | Armor mounting system and armor incorporating the same |
DE102014209212A1 (en) * | 2014-05-15 | 2015-11-19 | Schott Ag | Protective glazing with frame |
US20160152015A1 (en) * | 2013-07-04 | 2016-06-02 | Renolit Se | Multilayer panel |
US20160265882A1 (en) * | 2015-02-18 | 2016-09-15 | E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Composite ballistic resistant laminate |
US9532447B2 (en) * | 2013-01-09 | 2016-12-27 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Multi-layer resin substrate and method of manufacturing multi-layer resin substrate |
-
2014
- 2014-06-27 US US14/318,195 patent/US9803959B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (72)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR816814A (en) * | 1936-04-22 | 1937-08-18 | Impact resistant wall | |
US2410022A (en) * | 1942-08-05 | 1946-10-29 | Dumais Charles Joseph | Armor |
DE899605C (en) * | 1943-08-31 | 1953-12-14 | Berg Und Huettenbetr E Ag F | Riveted connection for armored battens |
US2991209A (en) * | 1956-12-31 | 1961-07-04 | Safetee Glass Company | Transparent bullet resisting structure |
US3380406A (en) * | 1965-04-28 | 1968-04-30 | Whittaker Corp | Composite design for transparent armour |
DE1653706A1 (en) * | 1966-10-10 | 1971-04-15 | Phoenix Gummiwerke Ag | Elastic mounting of an armor plate |
US3624238A (en) * | 1969-03-24 | 1971-11-30 | Binswanger Glass Co | Laminated transparent bullet resisting structure |
US3776094A (en) * | 1970-10-01 | 1973-12-04 | Clouth Gummiwerke Ag | Flexible structural member for a vehicle casing |
US4081581A (en) * | 1974-04-01 | 1978-03-28 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Laminated aircraft windshield |
US4550044A (en) * | 1983-08-08 | 1985-10-29 | Figgie International, Inc. | Ballistic resistant armor panel and method of constructing the same |
US5723807A (en) * | 1985-06-20 | 1998-03-03 | Fmc Corporation | Expanded metal armor |
US4716810A (en) * | 1986-02-24 | 1988-01-05 | Detroit Punch & Retainer Corporation | Self-contained armor assembly |
US5032466A (en) * | 1987-10-16 | 1991-07-16 | Lasar S.P.A. | Semi-rigid stratified shield |
US4932608A (en) * | 1987-12-28 | 1990-06-12 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Aircraft windshield design and method of use |
US5002820A (en) * | 1989-05-25 | 1991-03-26 | Artistic Glass Products | Laminated safety glass |
US5271311A (en) * | 1991-11-15 | 1993-12-21 | Madden Jr James R | Removable bullet proof apparatus for vehicles |
US5229204A (en) * | 1992-02-28 | 1993-07-20 | Armorvision Plastics & Glass | Bullet-resistant transparent panel, and method and press for making same |
DE4230073A1 (en) * | 1992-09-09 | 1994-03-10 | Rheinmetall Gmbh | Passive protection equipment for armoured-vehicle roof - comprises glass panes forming layers with narrow intervening gaps and offset for the layer width divided by the number of layers |
US5398592A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1995-03-21 | Fmc Corporation | Modular protection system |
US6327954B1 (en) * | 1993-06-03 | 2001-12-11 | Richard C. Medlin | Lightweight armored vehicle and method of making same |
DE9314982U1 (en) * | 1993-10-02 | 1994-03-03 | Trasco Export Gmbh | Armored motor vehicle, in particular passenger cars |
US5668344A (en) * | 1994-01-25 | 1997-09-16 | Bornstein; Avraham | Ballistic panel |
DE4415879A1 (en) * | 1994-05-05 | 1995-11-09 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Vehicle armoured glass assembly |
US5670734A (en) * | 1994-10-05 | 1997-09-23 | United Defense, L.P. | Modular armor mounting system |
US5594193A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1997-01-14 | Sheridan; Ronald J. | Bullet proof shield for vehicle windows |
US20010032540A1 (en) * | 1997-06-18 | 2001-10-25 | Noel Gourio | Armoured glazing, in particular for vehicle fixed or mobile side glazing |
US6129974A (en) * | 1997-10-13 | 2000-10-10 | Isoclima Gmbh | Bulletproof glass window with metal insert |
US6569787B1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2003-05-27 | Pilkington Aerospace Limited | Laminated glazings |
DE19914538A1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2000-10-05 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Connecting system for fireproof panels in driving compartment of armoured car comprises housing made up of two steel sheets fitted on first panel between which second panel fits |
US6708595B1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2004-03-23 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | Laminated, reinforced glass plate |
DE10043793A1 (en) * | 2000-09-06 | 2002-03-14 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Armored safety glass and unit uses profile sectors at right angle on pane outer edges so sectors sit flush on opposing pane faces assisted by top T- or L-shaped profile bonded to panes. |
US6546692B1 (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2003-04-15 | Film Technologies International, Inc. | Method of mounting an insulated impact resistant glass composite in a window frame |
US6818268B2 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2004-11-16 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Transparent armor structure |
DE10244368A1 (en) * | 2002-09-24 | 2004-04-01 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Armored-glass window for armored vehicles comprises an outer glass pane, inner second and third glass panes, and an edge reinforcement covering part of the inner side of the first glass pane |
US20050087064A1 (en) * | 2003-09-22 | 2005-04-28 | Michael Cohen | Modular armored vehicle system |
WO2005045351A1 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-05-19 | Rufus Paul Roodt | Ballistic shield |
US20060252328A1 (en) * | 2004-01-13 | 2006-11-09 | Mel Bingenheimer | Fiber reinforced resin/construction and method for providing blast absorption and deflection characteristics and associated fastening system utilized with such a contruction |
US7225717B2 (en) * | 2004-06-15 | 2007-06-05 | Square One Armoring Services Company | Vehicle armor system |
US20090282968A1 (en) * | 2004-07-01 | 2009-11-19 | Colliflower Anne B | Anti-ballistic materials and process |
US8088472B2 (en) * | 2004-09-28 | 2012-01-03 | AGP América S.A. | Armored glass composition with perimeter reinforcement |
US7854190B2 (en) * | 2005-04-11 | 2010-12-21 | Georgia Tech Research Corporation | Boron carbide component and methods for the manufacture thereof |
US7698985B2 (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2010-04-20 | C{Dot Over (O)}Lt Rapip Mat Llc | Rapidly installable energy barrier system |
WO2008127272A1 (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2008-10-23 | Protected Vehicles, Inc. | Systems and methods for enhancing the protection provided by armored vehicles |
US8689671B2 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2014-04-08 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Lightweight armor and methods of making |
EP1916496A1 (en) * | 2006-10-25 | 2008-04-30 | Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG | Motor vehicle, in particular military, protected against external explosions |
WO2008140480A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2008-11-20 | Corning Incorporated | Crack-arresting transparent armor |
US20080187721A1 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2008-08-07 | Isoclima Gmbh | Bulletproof window |
US20150114211A1 (en) * | 2007-04-20 | 2015-04-30 | Roger T.A Medwell | Vehicular armour |
US20090047453A1 (en) * | 2007-08-13 | 2009-02-19 | Smart Nanomaterials, Llc | Nano-enhanced smart panel |
US8088462B1 (en) * | 2007-10-16 | 2012-01-03 | Clear Defense LLC | Protective film systems and kits for vehicular windows and window assemblies and methods using the same |
US7823498B2 (en) * | 2007-11-10 | 2010-11-02 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Vehicle protective structure |
US20110185884A1 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2011-08-04 | Esw Gmbh | Bullet-resistant transparent laminate composite and protection arrangement having a bullet-resistant transparent laminate composite |
US20120103178A1 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2012-05-03 | Rudy Hendrik Gerard Koster | Armour, in particular passive armour, use of a compound in an armour and a method for manufacturing |
DE102009060923A1 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2011-08-04 | KS Composite & Protection GmbH, 03046 | Ballistic protection element for of people, building or vehicle, is formed plate-shaped ceramic elements that are connected with each other with adhesive in two layers |
US20120160084A1 (en) * | 2010-12-13 | 2012-06-28 | Benjamin Mosser | Ceramic armor and method of manufacturing by brazing ceramic to a metal frame |
US20120204711A1 (en) * | 2011-02-10 | 2012-08-16 | Engleman Gregory W | Apparatus for Defeating Threat Projectiles |
US20130284339A1 (en) * | 2011-02-25 | 2013-10-31 | WestWind Technologies, Inc. | Ballistic Protection Systems and Methods |
US9040160B2 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2015-05-26 | Schott Corporation | Multilayer armor |
US20150268007A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2015-09-24 | Israel Military Industries Ltd. | Antiballistic article and method of producing same |
US8763512B2 (en) * | 2012-04-18 | 2014-07-01 | Foster-Miller, Inc. | Amphibious armor |
US8906484B1 (en) * | 2012-05-02 | 2014-12-09 | The Boeing Company | System of composite armor including release layers |
US20140060306A1 (en) * | 2012-09-04 | 2014-03-06 | Isoclima S.P.A. | Bulletproof window |
US20140144313A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-05-29 | Isoclima S.P.A. | Armoured window construction |
US9532447B2 (en) * | 2013-01-09 | 2016-12-27 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Multi-layer resin substrate and method of manufacturing multi-layer resin substrate |
US20150268009A1 (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2015-09-24 | Hardwire, Llc | Vehicular Armor System |
US20160152015A1 (en) * | 2013-07-04 | 2016-06-02 | Renolit Se | Multilayer panel |
US20150024165A1 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2015-01-22 | U.S. Army Research Laboratory Attn: Rdrl-Loc-I | Transparent armor construction |
US20150300784A1 (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2015-10-22 | Ppg Industries Ohio, Inc. | Armor mounting system and armor incorporating the same |
US20150211830A1 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-07-30 | Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. | Ballistic Tape |
US20150292838A1 (en) * | 2014-04-13 | 2015-10-15 | Plasan Sasa Ltd. | Armor coupler |
DE102014209212A1 (en) * | 2014-05-15 | 2015-11-19 | Schott Ag | Protective glazing with frame |
US20160265882A1 (en) * | 2015-02-18 | 2016-09-15 | E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Composite ballistic resistant laminate |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160025458A1 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2016-01-28 | Np Aerospace Limited | Vehicle armour |
US9846013B2 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2017-12-19 | Np Aerospace Limited | Vehicle armour |
US10737468B2 (en) * | 2016-10-28 | 2020-08-11 | Plaskolite Massachusetts, Llc | High security polycarbonate laminate windows with insulated glazing units |
US20200254731A1 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2020-08-13 | Agp America S.A. | Glass laminate with inlay obscuration having superior strength and optical quality |
US11618236B2 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2023-04-04 | Agp America S.A. | Glass laminate with inlay obscuration having superior strength and optical quality |
WO2019186496A1 (en) * | 2018-03-31 | 2019-10-03 | Agp America S.A. | Armored window with lateral confinement |
US11353294B2 (en) * | 2019-02-07 | 2022-06-07 | Chameleon Armor, Llc | Modular armor system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9803959B2 (en) | 2017-10-31 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9803959B2 (en) | Reduced weight armor systems and methods of manufacturing the same | |
US6568310B2 (en) | Lightweight armored panels and doors | |
US4567100A (en) | Forced entry and ballistic resistant laminar structure | |
EP1666829B1 (en) | An armour plate for use in personal or vehicular armour | |
CA2641317C (en) | Composite panels for blast and ballistic protection | |
US4566237A (en) | Armored panel | |
EP1800086B1 (en) | Armored glass composition with perimeter reinforcement | |
US5368904A (en) | Bullet resistant glass | |
RU2587748C2 (en) | Bulletproof window glass and corresponding device providing bulletproof properties | |
US5567529A (en) | Multilayered glass laminate having enhanced resistance to penetration by high velocity projectiles | |
EP1646763B1 (en) | Improvements relating to impact-resistant structures and assemblies | |
CN205388440U (en) | Composite armor board and armored equipment | |
EP1924491B1 (en) | Aircraft fuselage | |
US9534871B2 (en) | Bulletproof window | |
EP2652433B1 (en) | Sandwiched fiber composites for ballistic applications | |
US20090320675A1 (en) | Mosaic Transparent Armor | |
US20110314999A1 (en) | Vehicle armor | |
WO2001064597A1 (en) | Bullet-proof glass screen, and bullet-proof glass screen device | |
US20100300276A1 (en) | High-performance bulletproof glazing | |
US10415935B2 (en) | Blast-resistant bulletproof window and associated apparatus | |
CN207859644U (en) | A kind of lightweight bullet proof glass structure | |
WO1990001100A1 (en) | Bullet resistant glass | |
KR20080015347A (en) | Bullet resistant glass multi-laminated | |
WO2019064277A1 (en) | Transparent armored laminate made of tiles with non-perpendicular joints | |
CA2500619C (en) | Improved ceramic components, ceramic component systems, and ceramic armour systems |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SCARINCI, CARLO;PALERMO, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:034974/0751 Effective date: 20150210 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
CC | Certificate of correction | ||
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |